Our Best Bets for This Weekend (and Beyond): What to Do and Where to Go
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Enjoy live R&B music and cocktails; escape a zombie apocalypse; go sledding in Carmel; dinner & a movie at the Bedford Playhouse; and more
Good morning! Today is Thursday, January 20, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.
Nancy’s Picks: This week’s three best bets
1. Ivan Polanco at The Hangout Cafe
Such an unexpectedly cozy and cool spot in the heart of Carmel, The Hangout Cafe is just that; a great spot to hang out, enjoy an eclectic American and Spanish menu, and listen to great music or a hilarious comedian. On January 21 Westchester acoustic pop/R&B singer/songwriter Ivan Polanco will be featured from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Polanco plays multiple instruments and has been compared to John Mayer and Ed Sheeran.
The Hangout Cafe
184 Route 52
Carmel
www.thehangoutcafeny.com
2. Mystery Room Jefferson Valley: Escape Room
When the cold wind blows and you just don’t want to be outside but want to have some fun, visiting the Escape Room at Jefferson Valley is the perfect antidote to the January blues. It is fun for the whole family, a party, or an event. Teamwork makes the dream work at your choice of ten themed “rooms” where you can test your sleuthing skills to solve problems, escape a zombie apocalypse, and more. Reserve online. Hours: Monday – Thursday 12 – 8 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 – 8 pm, Sunday 12 – 6 pm.
All In Adventures Mystery Room
Jefferson Valley Mall
650 Lee Boulevard
Yorktown Heights
www.mysteryroom.com
3. Sledding at Clarence Fahnestock Winter Park
Winter Park. Just the name conjures up so many great seasonal activities and to think this magnificent park and all its treasures are so close by in Putnam County. The Winter Park does require snow, and a certain amount, but it looks like that won’t be an issue in 2022. Once the snow covers the park it opens up for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. The trails are gorgeous, and the sledding hill is just challenging enough for all ages, and a great family experience. Rentals of cross country skis are available, there is a stocked snack bar and warming hut, and sledding is BYO. When you take a break from sledding the wildlife doesn’t disappoint, and photo ops abound! Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm daily. Sledding pass: $3/pp.
Clarence Fahnestock Winter Park
1570 NY Route 301
Carmel
www.parks.ny.gov/parks/fahnestockwinterpark/maps.aspx
Events + Culture Calendar
Monday, January 24
Great Swamp in Winter (Patterson): The Great Swamp comprises more than 6,000 acres in eastern Putnam and Dutchess Counties. It is widely known for being a unique habitat with diverse wildlife, and a great canoeing experience in warm weather. In winter the Great Swamp also delivers robust hiking opportunities, an exquisite lens into the rare and endangered wildlife of the region, and excellent photo ops, particularly for birders. Visit on any winter day for a chance to commune with nature and enjoy the fresh air. Free
The Great Swamp
Cornwall Hill Road
Patterson
www.dec.ny.gov/greatswamp
Tuesday, January 25
American Graffiti Dinner & A Movie, Bedford Playhouse (Bedford): Dinner & A Movie returns to the Bedford Playhouse! This popular night out returns with a showing of American Graffiti and discounted dinner at the Playhouse Cafe. Showtime 7 pm. Tickets from $22 (premium recliner) to $10.20. Food sold separately.
Bedford Playhouse
633 Old Post Rd
Bedford
www.bedfordplayhouse.org
Wednesday, January 26
Carrie’s Corner at Beverly’s Bar, Le Chambord (Hopewell Junction): Visit one of the Hudson Valley’s coziest bars, Beverly’s Bar, at the Curry Estate at Le Chambord for live music and entertainment Wednesday – Friday nights. On 1/26 enjoy live music and stories from the Hudson Valley’s favorite musical personalities as they personalize their journey.
Beverly’s Bar at the Curry Estate at Le Chambord
2737 Route 52
Hopewell Junction
www.curryestate.com
Thursday, January 27
Cozy up and find your community at Sing Sing Kill Brewery (Ossining): There are many Westchester breweries but Sing Sing Kill strikes a chord on many levels. Located in Ossining, it is just the spot to find your community on a winter night. Known as much for being a NY Farm Brewery as for their civic engagement and creativity, a visit to the brewery is much more than a night at a bar. Stop in, meet the team, and you are sure to connect on a meaningful socially conscious level while enjoying a brew in the shadow of the infamous eponymous prison.
Sing Sing Kill Brewery
75 Spring St
Ossining
Born and raised in Westchester, Nancy Sorbella’s lifestyle stories have been featured in several local and regional publications where she has also been a style and community columnist. She is the resident wordsmith for the Arthritis Foundation of NY and the Community Engagement Director by day, spending her free time exploring and experiencing the Hudson Valley. Follow Nancy for more of her adventures on Instagram @DetoursColumnist, Twitter @jsorbella, or on Facebook at Nancy Niskin Sorbella.
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